Travels in Columbia Dec 2018

Greetings

I have just returned from a Gate1 tour of Columbia for 10 days and I enjoyed it thoroughly.  I took notes throughout the 4 city tour and want to share a little with you.  

A little about the culture.  The people are a wonderful mix of indigenous, European and African.  There is no racism in Columbia but there is classism.  The neighborhoods are divided into Tiers from 1, being the poorest, to 6, being the richest.  Rents, water bills, electric, education and food is subsidized by the government for the residents of the lower tiers.  Gun ownership is illegal except for law enforcement.  Education is free and mandatory through high school but not enforced.  So many poorer children go to work and not to school.  Healthcare is available to all. There is no income tax but there is a 19% tax on food and goods.  The mortgage rate is 12% as well as car loans so many Columbians are in debt.  They do shy away from credit cards , preferring to use cash.  

More than 1 million Venezuelans crossed into Colombia fleeing widespread food and medicine shortages and rampant hyperinflation . This coincided with USA sanctions on Venezuela.  This, in turn, has put a great strain on the education and healthcare system.  

Columbia has long held the reputation for its drug cartels and murder and disappearances  Medellin was the most dangerous but it is now safe and its citizens are very proud of how far they have come.  It recently won an award for the most innovative city.

https://www.andovar.com/medellin-most-innovative-city-of-the-world/

The Medellin transportation system is one to envy.  It includes trams, subways, buses and taxis.  Tickets can be purchased with plastic bottles.  

Coca are still grown in Columbia but it is much undercover now.  Also synthetic drugs are competing with the more laborious and timely cocaine.

I found Columbian food to be OK.  It is high in sugar and fried foods.  Market places teem with fresh fruit but not many vegetables.  Unfortunately the US, and Israel are pushing Columbia into growing GMO corn.  The farmers protested in great numbers and the GMO lobby was put on hold for a year.  

The weather was lovely, around 80 every day but in the 90’s on the coast.  I was there in December.  

I did have a brief episode of altitude sickness, with rapid heart beat.  This happens when I go up over 10,000 feet.  Others were sick and some not.  It resolves as one becomes acclimated. 

From Bogota, we flew to Manizales, the coffee growing area.  Coffee is very labor intensive in Columbia as the trees are planted on hillsides and each berry must be handpicked as they ripen at different times.  We visited a reserve run by the Federation of coffee growers.  There , under the guide o Yohany we saw birds and butterflies and hummingbirds in abundance.  This attention to preserving native species is a goal of environmentalists and the government.  

We visited gold museums in Bogota and Medellin.  The Spanish Conquistadors took all the gold artifacts and mined gold that they could find.  Fortunately, the excavated graves contained lots of gold artifacts so the Columbian people’s heritage was spared. 

The trip ended in Cartegenia and we had 1 1/2 free days enjoying the northern city on the . Walking on the  beach, swimming in the ocean and exploring the Old Walled city, and the neighborhood, Getsemane was a delight. 

Boondocking in Ireland

Today I am flying back to the United States. I want to remember what I experienced during my one month in Ireland. It was an unusual trip as I travelled with my son in his RV. We started in Killarney boondocked (parking RV without payment) at the Killarney National Forest, then on to the ring of Kerry and the ring of Skellig. Dingle and a bit of the Dingle Peninsula

The roads are narrow and the countryside green. All the roads are bordered by either Stonewalls or hedges  There are few trees, not too many people in the rural areas and lot of grazing sheep, dairy cows, and cattle. The grazing area is divided up into irregular lots bordered by either Stonewall or hedges.

So looking out are green pastures with sheep cattle Stonewall hedges and tidy cottages.

The Irish build to last. Wether it be Stonewall or houses. Slate is the common stone used in both. Slate roofs are common and most have hot water heaters on the roofs. Of course these need sun to work and they're isn't much of it and Ireland. The sky was usually dark with clouds with light peeking through at times. There was enough Sun which was great for us as we have solar panels on the roof which generate electricity.

Of course there was the ever present sea as we were most often driving along the coast. They say that Ireland has the longest coastline in the world. The wild Atlantic Way which we followed also has the most sandy beaches. The last one we found was at least two miles long with very few people on it. We were able to camp right close to the beach. I never did swim but I saw a lot of crazy Irish swimming in the ocean. They are a Hardy folk. We took long walks on the beach and let our dog Shiba run to her hearts content.

I have to mention food of course.  We ate out only once as the Irish cuisine is not exciting but the food markets and bakeries were excellent.  They have 2 chains for food store, Lidl, in the bigger cities.  What is so cool about all countries in the EU is that they carrry food products from all of Europe.   We ate Lamb, Irish soda bread, potatoes, scones and jams from Ireland, cheeses from England and France, and sausages from Germany.

But I can't forget the Irish pub. I'm a fan of cider and Guiness and love to sip and listen to Irish music. And a toast to the Irish people. We talked to them on the beach and in the pubs and in the supermarket. They were warm and friendly and funny and the best

The only drawback was the lack of facilities for RVers.  They try to discourage Irish Gypsies and that also makes it difficult for all travelers outside of tours and families.  Rvers need water, a place to dump black and gray water and trash and recycling receptacles.  They did recycle but that is all.  We had to get very inventive but we always respected the environment.

Christmas Season, 2011 on the Road with Crazy, my 1990 Toyota Dolphin

photo 1 The Dolphin and I at Julie's lot in Gainesville, FL
photo 2 my campsite at Little Talbot State Park, Jacksonville, FL
photo 3 the beach at little talbot. It went on for miles and notice not one human being
photo 4 Hike in woods at KIng George State Park, FL
photo 5 night time at the Okefenokee state park, Waycross, GA

This a the maiden voyage with my Toyota Dolphin. It is a time to try things out like water and electric, all new to me as I have always been a tent camper. It is a time of finding my way and exploring new areas in Georgia and Florida, during the winter months.

It's 6pm on Dec 15, 2011 and pitch dark here at High Falls State Park.
http://georgiastateparks.org/HighFalls I discovered this place while talking to a woman at a party and thought I would try it out. What can I say, it is a treasure and only 44 miles south of my home in Atlanta.
I am taking a week to travel with my Toyota Dolphin who I have named "Crazy" because I was crazy to buy it, crazy to put lots of money into it. Right now I am feeling crazy about "Crazy". I loved pulling into a lovely wooded site on the banks of a river and in 5 minutes have it all set up. Just put in the plug for electricity, hooked up the water and switched the fridge from gas to electric. Had a lovely dinner of lentil loaf, salad, and beans which I heated up in the microwave. After dinner I took a walk and bike ride and noticed how happy I was feeling. Just being outdoors really makes me feel good. I have no reservations which is not necessary in Dec, just ideas of where I want to go. I will put away any concept of schedule.
In the morning I will sit by the river to meditate, take another walk and then hit the road on my way to Gainesville, FL. I get 15 miles to the gallon which is not great nor is it too bad.
I will definitely come back here and camp frequently. Having Crazy, has opened up a new door for me, winter camping. I have a heater if I need it. I have hot water as well but will probably make use of the campground shower and conserve my gas. so these are my thoughts about High Falls State Park in Jackson, GA.
there is no phone service and no internet service. but that is ok, I have books to read and a uke to play.

Dec 16
O"Leno State park, is 40 miles NO of Gainesville. http://www.floridastateparks.org/oleno/default.cfm It is the kind of campground I like, heavily wooded with large sites. Coming out of the camper at night, I see the starred sky between the trees. Beside my camper there is a monster tree. Can't help to think of the CRUSH if it should fall. It is dark at 6pm so I have a roomy evening to read, write and play my uke. I am thinking that I like nature more than I do people, although I for sure need both in my life. Humans are often fickle were Nature is straight on.
Dec 17, 18
Spent the morning riding bike and then on to Gainesville. With my handy GPS,
I easily find Julie's place. She is at her house site where she will soon have a house built. She sublets an apartment across the street and spends lots of time, cleaning out brush from her acreage and planting native plants. we go for a bike ride and then to a contra dance. in the am, we go to the Advent service at her church and afterwards, I visit a new friend I met at the Southern Dharma. We go to a Buddhist Service together, and a walk. I will be back to visit friends and dive with the manatee.
Dec 19,
Last summer in Gouldsboro, ME I met a woman who spoke about Anastasia state park. http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia/default.cfm I went there today and got a campsite. A very long wooden walkway brought me down to the beach, where I walked a long distance and saw all kinds of seabirds and their fledglings. Some of the birds had long orange and black beak and looked tropical. Why do the good looking birds and people attract us while we pass by the gray birds and and so so looking people. They are all wonderful, yes.
I wished I could stay longer at Anastasia which has been one of the drawbacks of this trip: too much to see and do in too little time. Next time I will go to fewer places and or stay longer.
Dec 20
On to Little Talbot state park which is east of Jacksonville.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/littletalbotisland/default.cfm I have never been there before and had to pass through historical St Augustine which was really beautiful. I was traveling to Jacksonville to see John's brother so had to go into Jacksonville, and then on to Little Talbot. But the city. I hate riding through the city. I am happy to spend all my time at the campsite. That is good as I wish to leave my camper and get around by bike. I can't travel too far that way. I have been cooking most of my meals. I passed a huge farm and stopped at their roadside veggie stand. They had cauliflower and broccoli big enough for a family of 4 to eat for a week. and the oranges and tangelos, yum. South georgia and florida are our food baskets.
Dec 21
Woke this morning and explored Little Talbot. Took my bike onto the beach and rode and rode. I have never done that before and it really is so much fun. The beach went on for miles and I never saw another person. These waters are the birthing ground for right wales and lots of birds nest here in sept and oct. I look forward to coming back here with my canoe/kayak as there are navigable inland water ways. Went to the Kingsley plantation at Fort George, an island close to Little Talbot. It is supposed to be the oldest plantation in Florida. What is unusual is that the Kingsleys were black. When FL was under Spanish rule, blacks could own slaves and property. So they had several plantations raising cotton, citrus, indigo and rice. If a slave worked indigo he had only 7 years to survive before death took him. In drying the powdered indigo, it got into their lungs so their fate was similar to a coal miner before they used protection. When spain lost control of FL in 1821, the US enacted harsh laws restricting the right of all persons of color. Anna Kingsley moved to Haiti, a free Black republic. Zephaniah Kingsley, her husband, died at age 24.


Dec 22,
will travel back to Atlanta now as I need to be home to make a salad for lots of folks for a 90th birthday for Mamita. It has been a fast trip but good in many ways. I discovered that I really love RVing. And I want to come back and explore Little Talbot and Anastasia as well as the inland waterways during the manatee time which is Dec through Feb. Of course I would also like to scuba dive which means driving down to the Keys.
I still have not stayed at a Walmart parking lot. Due to the high gas bill for an RV, I will need to occasionally offset the expense, by staying for free in my RV. I do make all my meals which I prefer and save money that way. When you travel a lot, as I want to , it is not a vacation but a way of living. Being a frugal person, I will find ways of having the best time, spending the least. Stayed at crooked river State Park, st Marys. GA http://georgiastateparks.org/CrookedRiver. Not much to say. If I had my kayak, there are some great waterways. I did ride my hybrid bike through several trails. So much fun
Dec 23
Home by way of the Okefenokee, and stayed right on the water at http://georgiastateparks.org/LauraSWalker. Riding my bike through the woods, I scared up about 10 wild turkeys. Thank god they were spared from the Christmas platter.

Father Phil and his digs

Father Phil and his digs

Phil doesn't like to be called Father Phil.  He left the priesthood at age 30, bought a piece of land on a lake in Washington, NH and built himself a home.  He did it by himself. Phil is 86 now.

Phil still lives alone in his house and he is very happy.  He has become quite forgetful with little short term memory but it still works out for him. He stopped driving when he was 80.    He is a minamalist and so his house is without clutter with everything in its place.  He still chops wood and heats his home with it.  His nephew takes care of all his paperwork needs.  Several neighbors look in on him, take him shopping once a week.  Phil takes a walk every day.  I walked with him and he frequently exclaimed.  "This is so beautiful".

Phil doesn't want meals on wheels.  He doesn't want too much outside interference.  wants to live peacefully till he dies, which is the natural course of things.  His nephew who has children will inherit the place.  So it all works out.

Phil smiles a lot, and laughs a lot.  I met him while visiting my friend Tara.

  He accepted me readily.  He is a magical human being who lives very much in the moment, without world news, Only a phone which is unlisted.  And so it was a gift meeting and spending time with Phil.  I will try to keep in touch with a card sent now and then to brighten his mailbox.  and I hope to see him next year.   

Tara's red casita

Tara's red casita

Tara took on a huge job.  She purchased an old camp in Washington, NH.  It is off the beaten track in a Lake community of year rounders and weekend summer people. It is tiny, just 700 square feet.  She drove by and there was a sale by owner sign.  It caught her eye.  Yes, I could live here and the cost is affordable, 50K.

Tara came to NH last year to make a new home for herself.  At age 69 and with a very limited budget, that is no small task.  Two of her children live in NH and so that was a deciding factor as to where to live.

Tara is a worker.   No thoughts of senior housing or easy condos, she chose country life.  Four miles down a dirt road and surrounded by trees , the little red cabin was waiting for her.  She bought it in March of 2013 so she got the tail end of what winter would be like.  She now has the daunting task of renovating it.  She has very little leisure time, it is work every day: a new roof, a heating system, new wiring, plumbing , sheetrock.  Winter is fast approaching and so by Oct.  she will need to be finished.  And it will be her OWN little house.

Having your own place is an important thing for many people as we age.  Life is hard, our bodies start to age have problems, but if we have our own place with affordable upkeep, one that we can afford to heat and pay the taxes on, then it is possible.  And if there is community that will help in a pinch, all the better.  Tara has that in the Lake community in Washington, NH.  

Our Home on Home

16 Home St (1st floor) in Worcester, MA has been home to our family for 56 years.  My parents bought it then and they worked hard to remodel it for their 4 children and themselves.  The flats are spacious but only one Bathroom (how did we ever manage)  but we love our home on home.  It is a touchstone for so many people.  When Ida who is now 95 passes we will keep it and rent out all 3 floors but it will no longer be our touchstone.  That will be a hard one.  

I spent 5 weeks this summer redoing the second floor.  I had help but even then it was pretty much 7 days a week, 8 to 12 hour days.  It had not been worked on for 20 years and had suffered water damage so it needed a lot of work. (new ceilings etc.  I also found a new tenant via Craig list and they moved in yesterday.  Tomorrow a new work crew comes in to paint the back porches.  And so life goes on and we keep things fixed up and nice.  I am sending a few photos of Home St and the 2nd floor.  

The porch with its clothes line is a unique feature.  Don't see them much anymore..  So is the claw foot bathtub.  

Silent Retreat at Southern Dharma Nov 2011

Southern Dharma Retreat

The Southern Dharma is in Hot Springs, NC in a very rural area. A winding road takes you though hill country and another takes you up, up into the mountain. I went there to attend a 5 day silent retreat, learning by doing sitting meditation, yoga meditation and the tenants of Buddhism. Dharma is the original word for Buddhism. While growing up, I saw my parents benefit from attending the Insight meditation center in Barre, MA so I too wanted to try it.
here is a link to a description of the retreat
http://www.southerndharma.org/retreat_rahula.shtml
As you can see the teacher is an American. We began studying to be a monk at age 24 and has done so for 36 years. He is kind, patient, and knows so much about Buddhism . He is also funny and his teaching is never boring. He has a blog. it is http://bhanterahula.blogspot.com/

I did not miss talking nor did I miss the cell phone, computer, ipod, radio, etc. without speech, we all worked well together. always being mindful of the other persons needs. I did not know anything about them, neither their name, where they came from, what they did All the layers were peeled back to the core. what matters is that they are fellow human beings who are equal to you in every way and working together you fulfill your needs

my day began at 5am with the sounding of the gong. By 5:30 am we were at the meditation center practicing our yoga meditation and deep breathing. the day was full with sitting, standing and walking meditation as well as yoga and Dharma talks.
The retreatants did one hour of working mediation. Mine was assisting the cook in the kitchen, along with 4 other lucky retreatants. we peeled and chopped the vegetables and fruits for the lunch and dinner. it was all vegetarian and sooooo delicious. we also had other responsibilities from doing the dishes to cleaning bathrooms and vacuuming the rooms. All was so very neat, clean and well organized. Athough we did not speak we greeted each other with 2 hands together (in Thailand, this is called Namaste)
http://www.southerndharma.org/retreat_rahula.shtmlThe sitting meditation was difficult for me as my mind would wander or I would get sleepy. My thoughts evolved from worry and criticism to metta or kind thoughts.
My intentions are to continue at home with the yoga meditation and sitting and walking meditation. It is a vehicle to find peace and tranquility in a fast paced and often indifferent world. It will be a challenge to replace old habits of being with new.
Namiste
Susan

My Money Pit- 1990 Toyota Dolphin RV

I did not intend to buy an RV this summer. I had thought about expanding my camping horizons so that I may live away from home in relative comfort, without being someone's house guest. When I drove my Buick to New England In June, I knew a few things. one is that I wanted to make this migration annually for a long time to come. Just can't do the atlanta heat. I also wanted to pull into a ubiquitous Walmart parking lot and stay the night while en route. I also want to stay about a month in various state or national parks in relative comfort.

So John, who is Ed's cousin bought a toyota travel van in May, 2011. I was interested as Toyota is a reliable vehicle. On Craigs list I found a toyota dolphin listed for sale in Warwick, RI- excellent condition. That was a lie as there was extensive water damage but the price was cheap and I felt that this RV needed to be rescued from this Ralph person who sorely neglected it.

So 2 months and much money and time later, the Dolphin is ready to head south. It has had a real makeover thanks to Billy and John, who reluctantly provided help. to clarify, John really didn't want to start, thinking it was a Pandora's box. he did take it on to help me out and was really helpful. could not have done it without him. It was hot and frustrating but it was OK. I am learning about RVs which is all new to me. It really was like buying another home on wheels and doing a fix up.

So now I am cleaning and putting in dishes, pots and pans and silverware. you know, being Susie homemaker instead of Susie Fix it. John put in a back up video which is really great. It goes on in reverse to show everything in back of you , otherwise it is a mirror. I am still discovering things. I got my ipod player going and discovered speakers in the camper as well as the truck. also there is a CB player. I turned it on, never having used one before and said, Hello, I am trying to get this to work, anybody there. and some guy answered. yes, i'm here. I was totally surprised. I have a little sign on the back of the camper that says ch 19 so maybe I will get a few interesting calls to help fill in the long hours spent driving. also, if i run into trouble and my phone doesn't work, I can put out a call for help.

so ends the story of my impulsive purchase. I have 7K into it now and the possibilities for improvements keep popping up. like new tires and a solar panel to charge the coach battery. It will be my money pit for a while to come. just have to enjoy the heck out of it to make it all worthwhile. Come, visit and take a ride.

Nickerson State Park 2011-9th family camping reunion

If you've read last years blog, you read all about Nickerson State Park. I'm here again with my family for our camping reunion and loving it. the cape is one of those lovable places.

today my niece , nephew and the two kids and I went for a bike trail ride, 11 mile from our campsite to the end. passing through cranberry bogs, Lakes, canopies of scrub oaks, so cool,. It feels so good to live outdoors, camping. I am sure Native Americans looked askance at the early settlers who lived in wooden boxes and swept their floor , spending hours being clean. here we play for most of the day and squeeze some work in. the play can be swimming in the crystal clear ponds, canoeing or kayaking. or it could be going to the National sea shore. I love to go at around 5 pm when the sun looses its strength. I do yoga on the beach, or take long walks. sometimes, i put my face in the water and taste the salty brine.
dear friends,I miss you all. but every summer I must leave Hotlanta and seek out the coolness of New England. I have also decided to seek the warmth of Florida or Latin america this winter when the Georgia temp drips to the low twenties.
So I purchased a 1991 Toyota Dolphin in Rhode Island. It was a huge leap of faith as I know little of truck campers. Mine has a V6 engine, a one ton chasseand only 47K. It has all the amenities of an RV but is only 21.5 feet long. So why did I buy it. cause I love camping out of doors. now that I am semi retired, I can travel somewhere and stay put, living comfortably in the camper. I have looked into being a camp host. One can get free camping and even a monthly salary. I am thinking of Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo
http://www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp/this winter or Anastasia State Park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia/default.cfm . I feel privileged that I can retire and travel, even buy an RV.
I also met Paula this summer at Nickerson. She was a camp host so I got lots of info about it and will sign up for 3-4 weeks next year as camp host, but only if I can be in Area 4, the best part of the campground.
I know there will come a time when my Mom needs me and I will have to stay put with her but that will also be a privilege and I will alter my nomadic lifestyle.
the photo is part of my family that camped together at Nickerson State Park. the second one is of the Atlantic Ocean at night.

Maine and Jeremy's place

Matt was born in 1973 when Dustin and I lived in Gouldsboro, Me. we were there for 4 years at his place on the Pond rd. It was a camp that he remodeled. it had no electricity then, only well water but it was a place where you had time to think, read, meditate and work hard. I went back and revisited the house this summer. it looked the same really with the addition of some chickens. the new owners have a generator for their electricity. hard to believe but the Federal rural electrification act expired in the sixties so in 2011 this house on a main rd. has none, too expensive to pay for.
I stayed at Jeremy's place. How to describe it. down a long rd, a once elegant hotel on the shores of Frenchmans Bay is now old but still kind of elegant. It was good to see Jeremy again, a friend for 40 years. he is still here, working for the Democrats, keeping up his place, involved in town politics and playing some great Blues guitar. He loved my cooking and I loved being there, like coming home. I also got to visit with two friends from yesteryear.
Highlights were riding my bike around Schoodic Peninsula, kayaking in front of Jeremys, collecting mussels and falling in the mud, and visiting old, dear friends. I will be back
again.
The first photo was taken while bicycling around Schoodic Peninsula and the second is the view in front of Jeremy's place

Visiting Home Tree Domes in Henniker, NH

visiting home tree domes

went to visit John at Home tree domes in Henniker, NH.
http://hometreedomes.com/

the community has an interesting way of securing their food supply. they make a two hour trip weekly to Trader Joes in Boston to dumpster dive. not really as TJ graciously puts the food out in plastic bags which they surreptitiously grab a 1 am and load into their vans. it get sorted out that morning and put into appropriate storage.

the domes have all the creature comforts. half the residents sleep in mobile homes and use the kitchen and bathroom and sitting area in the domes. lovely in the summer. harder in the winter. wish I was more cold tolerant as I would love to visit in the winter and cross country ski

the residents somewhat share a political view of freedom, liberty and justice for all. Many belong to the Free State Project

http://freestateproject.org/

I have wonderful memories of the Yakov family and swimming and boating in the Contoocook River which is very close to the Domes.

looking forward to seeing more of lovely NH.

Why do I camp?

Why do I camp

I am writing from the Dolly Copp campground in the White Mountain National Forest. it is early morning and it is cool and sunny with the early light filtering through the trees. I slept well on my thermarest mattress and am ready to begin my day. I camp so that I can wake up in a place like this to enjoy the sounds and sights of nature, breathe the clean air and smile.
I am thinking of my day. yesterday I did a 4 hour hike towards the peak of Mt Washington. It was a challenge and today I feel fine, no sore knees. Today I may put my kayak into the Androskoggin River and climb more or drive on to Maine. I have no set itinerary, which is the way I like it.
I have been in New England for over a month. I have spent a lot of time with family, camped at Cape Cod, traveled to Henniker NH to visit John and did some great kayaking and swimming in the Concoocook river. then on to Burlington Vermont, the most picturesque city I have seen other than Lunenbu

rg Nova Scotia.
my last stop will be Gouldsboro Maine. I lived there for 5 years in my 20's. Matt, was born there and luckily I still have a friend who lives on the shores of Frenchmans Bay and is willing to put me up as there is no good camping in the area.
I love being out in Nature. It gives me a peaceful, tranquil feeling. I love using my body to bike, hike, swim, boat, walk. I love my lone time but I love being with people and animals as well. I am really thankful I can do this and want to continue till I can't .
Love
Susan

Costa Rica 2010

October is toward the end of the green or rainy season in Costa Rica. My friend, Ed, and I have decided to travel together to CR for 12 days . My goal is to get a good idea of what CR is like as I am thinking of living out of the US for a few months during the winter and I like CR for several reasons. It is warm but also temperate. CR has not military. Money spent on military is spent instead on education and medical care. I like that a lot. I am curious about the Quakers in Monteverde. Not a lot is written about them and I would like a personal glimpse. I have just always wanted to go beyond Mexico and this seems like the right place.

We did not do a whole lot of preparatory stuff. Tried to pack light and have a place to stay the first night, a good guide book, a one excursion trip for a few days to the Caribean.

San Jose we were told was not so great. But we found a fantastic hotel that I would recomend named Hotel Aranjuez. the rooms were nice, cheap and the breakfast was fit for royalty. I will remember these breakfasts till my dying day with pleasure. how nice to sit in a tropical garden and dine on sumptious food and cr delicasies.

we went shopping in san Jose and left our loot in the storage room at Hotel aranjuez. great idea. we also went out tango dancing. fine people and fellow dancers, talked with an expat, danced,wined and dined.
San Jose has no addresses like the rest of cr. How do you find anything. you give the taxi driver the directions like it is 150 meters east of Rococo restaurant and they find it. But if I were to live there it would be in san Jose close to one of the universities as I like to be where there is music and symphonies and dancing. It is easy to take a bus trip to the beach if you want to get away. also, all the medical facilities are in san jose which is important as we age. But CR is not cheap. the price of food is the same as it is in the US. Housing is cheaper. taxis are cheaper. But there are many Latin American countries that are much cheaper and as beautiful, but not as peaceful.
must touch on crime. the Ticos are sweet, kind an considerate. Every Tico that I met was like that. There are criminal elements as there folks who live on the fringes.

We tried to hit four different areas around the country. the caribbean where we cruised on the canals and saw amazing wildlife everywhere, especially the green back turtle babies hatching and walking ino the sea. Arenal where an active volcano and hot springs is a fantastic experience.
Monteverde where the Quakers have a meeting house and school and where a thriving cheese making factory run by quakers and associates supplies all kinds of cheeses and pork sausages to CR and Nicaragua. And lastly the pacific coast where we hiked with monkeys and raccoon like creatures and swum in the beautiful ocean.
yes, CR, I will be back but will go to Ecuador and perhaps Guatamala first.
love
susan

Hanging out at the Shawangunks with John

the Gunks
John,my ex husband lives in NY in a small town called Wallkill which is in the area of the Shawangunk Mountains, which are south of the Catskills. they are a favorite rock climbing destination.

the area is entirely lovely. A lake was a mile away for fabulous swimming and the bike riding was so fine. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

John is having house concerts in his home for folk musicians. They are top notch, fine performers. I had the pleasure of helping him and attending a concert for Magpie. John also provides dinner for his paying guests. It is a labor of love on his part as he looses money but he gets to do something really important like supporting the arts and contributing to his community.

good to see John again. He continues to be an inventor, his latest being converting a small trailer to a bike/ocean Kayak carrier.

It feels good to be friends with my wastband John, I am back again for a visit prior to returning to Atlanta. It is fall, the skies are blue, blue and it is knocked me over beautiful. I went for a swim again yesterday at Lake Tilson and looked up at the gunks and sky and marveled.

I also attended a song circle sponsored by Folk Project. It was held in Patti's home, Johns neighbor who lives in a barn converted into a house with silos and everything. talk about space, how about 1500 feet. But I got to sing my songs with and too other folks, play my guitar and it felt great to do that cause I have never really done it before. So I feel encouraged to keep learning songs and improving my guitar skills. I have done instrumental jamming but this is different as you initiate song.
I also found a welder who fabricated in steel what I needed and could not buy. It allows me to pull a trailer and carry a bike rack simultaneously.

I am leaving soon for atlanta, pulling the Apache behind me. My destination today is Shenandoah National Park where I will camp the night and hike tomorrow, perhaps even camp another day.
love
susan

the last day of a great vacation- to be continued next year

the last day of my 24 day camping experience

I have tried to reenact the month long camping experiences of my youth, when my Mom would camp at Nickerson and my Dad would come on the weekend.  this is my  last day and I thought to write whatever came to mind before returning to my Mom's house in Worcester.  My son, Matt, is there until the 17th so most of the time I will be hanging out there, swimming and boating at the green mountain club pond, cooking and helping out my mom with what needs to be done. 

This morning I spoke with my neighbor, Olga.  She and I have a great deal in common.  We both feel very much at home camping and living outdoors.  We both have well equipped camping kitchens and stay a long time.  she is russian with extended  family and friends and comes on the weekends, although her site is set up all week.  She has just offered me 5 days of camping on site 11 from august 15th to the 20th.  I will decide whether to come back or explore something new.  Let me say that his place is heaven.  on a dead end with a canopy of pine trees,  the most beautiful of lakes and the cleanest air .  It is so nice it is impossible to get a site unless one books 6 months ahead.  that is why I may take Olga up on her offer. 

Here, I go barefoot.  I don't wear glasses unless to read and don't know the time.  I am the healthiest and most physically fit that I have been for a very long time, maybe for 15 years.  I brought lots of materials to play guitar, learn spanish, and have done some of that.  Mostly, I am active biking (Nickerson has 8 miles of bike trails and connects to the Cape rail trail which has 26 miles) swimming.  I also boat a lot.  before I leave today, I will boat and swim.  I do yoga as well, especially when Ame was here to guide  me.  I think I have had the funnest and cheapest vacation.  Nickerson costs just $15.00 per night so it is very affordable and possible.  Add a few friends to split the cost and is super cheap. 

about cooking.  I cook simple stuff and eat well.  our neighbor gave s a cooler of bluefish and we ate that for several meals.  Restaurants are expensive and you have to wait for your food.  and if you are here for a long time, you just do as you do at home.   cooking is liberating.  true, you can't be too fussy. 

The National Seashore is nearby.  If you look at a map of the cape, It makes up most of the cape.  We have been several times to different beaches.  We went to Provincetown at the tip of the Cape and went to the Race Point beach.  the water is cold, but not too cold so you can't take a dip.  And the dunes have such great beauty.  and P town is an experience in itself.  we tried to ride bikes down the main street and that was a trip.

I had originally thought of this trip as mainly being alone.  my family was here for 10 days and friends for another 7 so I have only had about a week of lone time.  I like it both ways.  It is too wonderful not to share and it is also nice to have lone time as I am right now. 

I plan on driving home in late August, towing CliffIda, my Apache tent trailer.  I  decided this recently so she will have a new resting place in my basement.  but hopefully she will not rest for long.  I will outfit her and she will be ready to go.  just add food and clothing, scuba gear, climbing shoes, and away we go. 
hugs to all
Susan

A day in the life of Susan

July 22, 2010

I am feeling very happy these days.  Yesterday I moved to my new campsite and it is sooo ideal.  my site is at the end of a dead end road with the lake below me.  I can canoe, swim, yoga on the beach, bike and hike without ever leaving my campsite.  With my broadband stick I even have access to the internet.  .  It just a really nice place to be. 

I am writing by the light of my Coleman lantern while daddy long leg spiders cruise by.  I have always liked these special insects.  they are large but they don't bite.  I don't care much for the dive bomber beetles though.  

am expecting Atlanta friends tomorrow so It will get busy.  I actually like my solo time very much.  I am never bored or lonely. 

today I took a long bike ride just within the park.  lots of hills up and downs.  Nickerson State Park has about 35 miles of paved bike paths through the forests. 
After resting in my hammock, I  carried my canoe down to the lake and went out on my boat.  then I swam for a bunch.  then I waited to take a picture of the sunset on the lake. 

I wash my clothes by hand and hang them to dry.  I love to do this simple chore.  It is a whole lot better than feeding quarters into a machine and hanging around waiting.

The photo is of CliffIda, my loved trailer.  







I go to bed early by Atlanta standards and am up early.


 

good night to you, and you, and you, and you and you
love
susan

Thoughts on my gear

It must be July 10th.  - my gear
Sitting here drinking a cup of hot chocolate and planning my day.  I woke up to late to get out on the water to kayak.  the sun is hot though it may cloud up as rain is predicted.  Today I will ride my bike to area 7 (about 5 miles) to swim and hike. 

I have been thinking about my gear.  I am doing car and trailer camping and want to be self sufficient except for food for 24 days, so I have a lot of gear and I love it all. 
My vintage trailer is my first love.  Manufactured in 1950, it is still going strong.  She doesn't look beautiful but works just fine sort of like me.  7 years ago she got a new canvas tent with waterproof floor, new electrical, new tires, new stabilizer legs .  I love to fix up old things, especially the trailer  that belonged to my mom and dad.  her dimensions are 4 by 8 feet so she pulls like a charm behind my little corolla with no wind resistance.  She has an accordion cover that lets you pack on lots of stuff(as I am expecting my family I have sleeping gear for 5 and eating gear for 11) 
I also brought 2 bikes, one canoe/kayak and lots of my books and instructional material, including computer, spanish language stuff, my guitar and guitar books. 

Restaurants here are crowded and super expensive so we cook all our meals.  So I have a pantry with posts and pans and 2 stoves that run off a large propane tank. 

My neighbors have some incredible gear.  Some come in Taj Mahal trailers.  the russians camp and know how to put up great tarps that cover the kitchens and provide shade and rain protection. 

I seem to have a little visiter while writing this  He/she ( how does one determine the sex of a chipmunk ) is really adorable. Oh well, she has also discovered my cocoa and has just taken a drink, a brazen chipmunk so she must be female  I am happy to share my cocoa.  Judging from the tracks, my nocturnal visiter last night was also a chipmunk  They are a lot easier to deal with than raccoons as they can't open the coolers. 

I guess I have a lot of  stuff because I am living here.  This is a health retreat for me.  I want to get away from the fast pace and luxuriate in the slow. I want to exercise a lot and eat moderately and get stronger. 
Peace and love to you all
Susan

July 8th -A fast sail in a colorful boat

another beautiful day July 8th 2010

After the heat wave, it feels so good to sit with the wind blowing on my back.  I have discovered that I can sit at the library on a bench, plug my computer into the electrcify and hook into their fast internet connection.  I also have a broadband for the campsite but no electricity.  

I guess I should call this blog, miss thrifty as I Iove to save money and have fun too.  yes, I can retire and do a lot with a little.  camping is the key or hosteling and cooking for yourself or being satisfied with sardines and crackers.  yes this is my thing but if it could be yours, I am encouraging you to go for it.  

I spent today at Cliff Pond.  Lots of Cliffs in my life.  It was too windy to canoe but the sailing was great.  so I asked my neighbor for a ride on his catamaran. and it was sooo great.  we were flying.  Went for a long swim, lay in my hammock and rocked myself in the cool shade.  No watch, no appointments, and puttering around the campsite doing this and that doesn't feel like work. 

I am enjoying my solo time.  In 2 days my family arrives and there will be 11 of us in 2 campsites for 1 week.  then they will be gone again.  I did invite friends for my last t0 days and Kyle, Amy and baby Skye will be driving straight through from Atlanta.  But I don't plan on being the hostess with the mostess.  I will share my campsite  and my kitchen but don't plan on shopping cooking and doing dishes.  

I miss all my friends.  hugs and kisses to you all.  

From Susan (alias Frizzmop)  I do start looking a little wild living outdoors you know.  I am off to kayak before it gets dark

Settling into life at the Cape

July 7, 2010

My first day at the Cape

This is a big deal for me.  I envisioned spending a long time here, enjoying this wonderful bit of nature.  And so I retired from my job, made reservations at Nickerson State Park in MA  for 24 days and here I am.  

I am soooo happy to be here.  After i set up camp it was late but I had to go down for a swim at Cliff Pond.  The water was like a soft caress.  It was a comfortable temperature.  And I was so happy.  I love you Cliff Pond.  

I have brought CliffIda, named after Cliff and Ida Stone, my parents.  CliffIda is a 1950 vintage trailer.  7 years ago it was a sad thing sitting in the back yard.  John and I decided to fix it up, and now it is just perfect.  I will post a photo of my Mom by the trailer, taken in the 60's. 

I have to say that I am proud of myself.  I didn't know that I could do it but wanted to give it my best shot.  Doing the maintenance on the trailer, driving it down here and setting it up by myself was a big deal for me.  But now I know I can do it and am confident of future trips.  I don't want to be a helpless person when it comes to doing handy, mechanical tasks.  I am my father's daughter and like him, I love to fix things and love the outdoors.  

So, I bought a boat in NY state.  It is wonderful because it is so light, I can just pick it up and walk with it or put it on the roof rack and away we go.  

It is a perfect boat for a woman .  It weighs all of 15 pounds and is made of Kevlar so it is strong.  It is a canoe/kayak, open but you use a double paddle.  

Got a boat, got 2 bikes (one to lend) got 2 good legs for hiking, got a song in my heart and a smile on my lips.  

I'll write again from the Cape

love

Susan

I'm no great writer but wanted to share what I am up to

Locust Lake State Park Pennsylvania June 22, 2010

Stopping for the night on my way to MA.  Locust state park was on the map and was tired after driving 400miles.  

What a beautiful place.  no phone coverage or Internet but I am very happy.  took a long bike ride along the lake.  now i am sitting with my computer plugged into the elec a tri city.  soft classical music, a glass of wine and the promise of a comfortable bed.  

I feel like I have discovered a place where I will stop again as I see myself  driving this route often between Worcester, MA where Ida is and Atlanta where I am, sort of kinda.  At least where my house and many dear friends are.  but I think I will call it my base camp from now on.  

tomorrow evening I hope to arrive in Worcester after stopping in Albany to paddle and eyeball a canoe/Kayak that I am thinking seriously of buying because it is only 10.5 feet long and weighs 15 pounds with the added benefit of being made of kevlar (synonymous with indestructible.)  

I feel great but like everyone else I am very sad about the oil spill and the destruction to our oceans, marshes, ecosystem.wildlife.   there is a pain that just doesn't go away.  Like so many others I feel helpless.  I can drive less.  once I arrive I will not go far in my toyota corolla (30 miles per gallon)

So begins my journey.  I suppose people may wonder why I go off alone and camp and want to live outside.  It is just me.  My personality was formed as a child when we would camp as a family all summer long.  I will have my family with me for 1 week in the same campground of my youth, Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod, Ma.  I have invited lots of people to join me as I have a site for 24 days and want to share.  fly up to Boston , rent a car and  enjoy.  I wont entertain you or feed you but I will share my campsite and provisions gladly.  

I will be writing again.  Peace and love be with you.  

Hugs

susan